What Eactly Is Programmed Autoexposure Mode Anyway?

[Sandpatch]

Can some of y'all help me to understand what our P Mode is exactly? I've read all I can about it, but I still don't understand just what it offers. I shot this photo with my D5100 last night in a very dark setting using P Mode with no idea of what I was doing. The photo is completly unedited, except for being resized for upload. I spun the Command Dial around and as best I could see, I was moving ISO a bit and nothing else. I purposely used no flash, metadata shows 1/30 Sec., f/4, f/22, ISO 2800, VR 18-55.



Was this a lousy setting to play with P Mode? I took some similar shots using Shutter Priority (which I use a lot) and they look the same as with P Mode. Thank you for educating me on it all.

 

[Rick M]

P mode: It's when you gotta pee really bad and nothing else in the world matters!

Or, you could read this link for another explaination,

Master the Hidden Power of Your Camera's Program Mode | PCWorld

 

[stmv]

I guess I veiw Program mode of User override Auto mode, where you can override the camera, or extend the range of the camera,

but so so complicated, Why not just shoot in Aperature mode, decide how much ISO you need, or better yet auto ISO mode, and get the effect you want.

One really have to have so much camera knowlege to effectively use many of the auto mode, that I guess.

I find this too much thinking, so I just shoot in manual all the time except for those few occasions where the action is too fast, then I shoot aperature priority (usually around f8).

 

[sailtastic]

Surely if the action is to fast you should shoot in shutter priority so that you can keep the shutter speed high?

 

[fotojack]

Surely if the action is too fast you should shoot in shutter priority so that you can keep the shutter speed high?

Exactly what I was thinking, too. Why on earth would you shoot anything that has action in it in Aperture Mode?

 

[stmv]

I am not talking that level of action, I meant too much going on that might miss a shot, of course, I should have been more careful with my words, I meant when it is too busy, and I need to quickly change shots.

if it is fast moving action, then set speed and let the camera set the speed. so,, stand corrected. thanks.

 

[Carroll]

Digitutor for d5100

Digitutor D5100 | Nikon


Mode P (Programmed Auto) explained on page 62 of D5100 manual. I think it is easier to read on my monitor, rather than in book form. Just download this to your computer, and put shortcut on desktop... (This is the no-print file)

http://www.nikonusa.com/pdf/manuals/noprint/D5100_ENnoprint.pdf


Carroll

 

[PhotoAV8R]

AIUI, it's an auto mode that you can play with. If you make no adjustments, the exposure setting should be the same as using Auto.

Take a shot in Programmed Auto. If you don't like the depth of field (or a blurred subject due to movement), you can (on my D90 - YMMV) rotate the main command dial select different aperture/shutter speed combinations that product the same exposure as the first shot.

For example, f/8 at 1/500th and f/16 at 1/125th produce the same exposure for any given subject. If you're in P mode, the camera will change the shutter speed and aperture together to maintain the same EV.

BWTHDIK

 

[Sandpatch]

Man, y'all are so helpful -- this is exactly the kind of guidance I was seeking and I think I understand it now. Now I can't wait for some time outside in daylight to experiment more with my "new" feature -- P Mode. Thanks everyone!